Always Do It Right the First Time — or At Least Try

We’ve all heard the saying, “Always do it right the first time.” It sounds simple, doesn’t it? A straightforward piece of advice that, if followed, promises smooth sailing. But life—and business—often proves to be more complicated. I’d like to share my story, not as a warning, but as a lesson learned the hard way, a lesson about the importance of making an effort to get things right from the start.

The Beginning: Eager but Naive

When I first ventured into the world of business, I was eager and full of ambition. My vision was clear, and my excitement was palpable. However, I lacked one crucial element: knowledge. My enthusiasm was not matched by experience or expertise. I was new, naïve, and unfortunately, too trusting. I believed in the advice of others—sometimes too much.

The Problem: Gullibility And Lack of Knowledge

In those early days, I made a series of decisions based on what others advised, without thoroughly considering the consequences or seeking second opinions. Looking back, I can see now that these decisions were influenced more by others’ confidence than my own understanding. I trusted their experience over my gut instincts. The truth is, my lack of knowledge made me gullible, and I didn’t have the confidence to question or analyze the advice I was given.

There were red flags, of course. Moments when something didn’t feel right. But I ignored them, thinking that as a newcomer, I should defer to those who seemed to know better. I convinced myself that these seasoned advisors had my best interests at heart. After all, they were successful, right?

The Consequence: Past Mistakes Biting Hard 

Fast forward to today, and I find myself grappling with the repercussions of those early decisions. Some of these choices, which I didn’t scrutinize enough, are now problems that haunt my business operations. They have become like thorns in my side, causing constant irritation and sometimes, severe pain.

These past mistakes are not just minor annoyances — they are substantial, affecting my business’s growth and stability. It’s like they are biting me hard in the ass, a harsh reminder that cutting corners or neglecting due diligence can come back with a vengeance.

The Challenges With Bureaucracy 

One of the most significant challenges I face today stems from issues with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and business permits. Because of past mistakes and oversights, I find it incredibly difficult to open another business. The penalties, the paperwork, and the endless bureaucratic hurdles have made the process almost unbearable.

I underestimated the importance of staying on top of tax requirements, filing deadlines, and permit renewals. At the time, I thought these were minor administrative tasks that could be dealt with later. I was wrong. These so-called minor issues snowballed into major headaches, with financial penalties. The weight of these past errors has made every new business endeavor feel like climbing a mountain, with my past decisions dragging me down.

Dealing with the BIR has been particularly challenging. The penalties accrued from late filings and misunderstandings about tax requirements are steep. They’ve drained my resources and energy, creating a barrier that’s hard to overcome. It’s not just the financial burden that’s daunting — it’s the constant fear of non-compliance and the frustration of navigating a complex bureaucratic system.

Facing The Consequences: A Heavy Price To Pay

 Right now, I am doing everything I can to straighten things out and make things right. I am committed to resolving these issues, no matter how challenging they may be. But the cost is high — both literally and figuratively. Fixing these past mistakes has drained a significant amount of money. Every penny spent on penalties and legal fees feels like a reminder of the price of inexperience and haste.

Beyond the financial costs, it has taken a toll on my energy and emotional well-being. The stress of dealing with constant setbacks, the anxiety of wondering if I’ll ever get it right, and the frustration of seeing time and money wasted — all of these weigh heavily on me. There are days when it feels like the walls are closing in, and it’s tempting to throw in the towel.

The Courage To Push Through 

Despite all this, I’ve found the courage to keep pushing forward. I know that facing these challenges head-on is the only way to overcome them. I’ve accepted responsibility for my past mistakes and am determined to learn from them. Each hurdle I face now is a step towards a better, more stable future for my business.

I’ve realized that courage isn’t the absence of fear or doubt; it’s the decision to act despite those feelings. It’s about standing up to your past mistakes and saying, “I can fix this. I will fix this.” It’s about recognizing that the journey to making things right may be long and arduous, but it’s worth it. Every step I take to correct my past mistakes is a step towards growth, resilience, and ultimately, success.

Why Doing It Right Matters? 

The reality is this: not making the effort to get things right the first time can lead to long-term consequences. The shortcuts and the failure to question advice can lead to avoidable errors. Errors that, if not managed correctly, can escalate into significant problems, affecting not just the bottom line but also the peace of mind and the very foundation upon which a business is built.

It’s not just about doing things right; it’s about trying your best to do them right the first time. Making an effort to understand the implications of each decision, questioning advice, and seeking knowledge should be non-negotiable parts of the process. It’s about taking responsibility for your choices and being proactive in ensuring they are well-informed.

Moving Forward: Learning And Improving

Today, I approach my business with a renewed perspective. I still value advice, but I no longer take it at face value. I do my own research, seek multiple opinions, and trust my instincts. I am learning to balance trust with skepticism, taking what I’ve learned from past experiences to make better, more informed decisions.

Mistakes are inevitable, and no one can get everything right all the time. But making an honest effort to do things right the first time can save a lot of trouble down the line. It’s a lesson I’ve learned, not just in theory but through personal experience. And while it might be a hard pill to swallow, it’s one of the most valuable lessons in my journey as a business owner.

A Call To Action

If you are reading this and are at the start of your own business journey, take this advice to heart: Always try to do it right the first time. Educate yourself, question advice, and trust but verify. Mistakes made from lack of effort or knowledge can become burdens that are difficult to shed. So, take the time to do things right — or at least make a genuine effort. Your future self will thank you.

It’s not just about succeeding in business; it’s about ensuring you build a foundation strong enough to support that success. And that foundation is laid by doing things right, the first time. Learn from my experience, and save yourself the trouble of learning the hard way.

Remember, the courage to face your mistakes and the determination to correct them are the true marks of a resilient business owner. No matter how tough the road ahead seems, keep moving forward. You have the power to turn things around and make things right.